Best Picks Where You Can Munch Deliciously, Drink (Mimosas, of Course!), and Relax   

For the New York girl, there are limitless options in the great, grand metropolis she calls home: there is always something to see, somewhere to be, and something to do. But that said, it can be hard to find a good spot for brunch that won’t cost a fortune, is in a nice location, has food that hits the spot, and is also fun. After all, you want your brunch venue to be an attractive but semi-casual place where you can still be a little drowsy from your Sunday morning sleep-in, but once caffeinated, kick back with your friends, enjoy a good meal together, catch up on the weekend, meet a potential future boyfriend, or just get away from the stresses of life.

My personal favorite type of brunch is one that brings together great friends, endless drinks, good food, laughs, and music. Here are some of my best picks (before I became pregnant with my son, I used to frequent the following spots quite often with my girlfriends):

Beauty & Essex – Located on the Lower East Side
Ambience: This is definitely for the trendy and stylish brunch-goer: it looks like a pawnshop with a super-chic twist, and the place has a dress-to-impress kind of vibe.  I would highly recommend going in a group, as the food is offered in shared plates for about six people (this will also help keep the cost down).  
Menu: They are known for their champagne brunch; also, you absolutely must try the red velvet waffles, grilled cheese smoked bacon and tomato dumplings, and fried chicken biscuit bites. 
Other tips: After brunch, there is a second level for dancing to the amazing sound of a Live DJ.  Guaranteed great time!  $60 and under.  Brunch is offered Saturday & Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

PS450  — Located in NOMAD (near Kips Bay)
Ambience: For the crowd who is younger or just young at heart.  The dress code is dress- for-a-good-time (i.e. nothing casual — note that its website says that “brunch attire restrictions are noted on the menu” – for instance, baseball caps and sweat pants are verboten). Loud music is blasting that makes you want to eat and then dance the day away
Menu:  $40 endless prix-fixe menu including two hours of Mimosas, Bellinis or Bloody Marys, plus one brunch entrée. I also loved the over-the-top nachos, shrimp po’boy sandwich, and mac and cheese bites.  
Other tips: Brunch is offered Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

De Santos – Located in the West Village
Ambience: For the rustic or outdoor-loving brunch guest.  Has more of a relaxed vibe; the  location is a charming townhouse with a garden patio —  a beautiful place to sit and eat. 
Menu: Worth trying the banana pancakes and a Fizzy Cecila.
Other tips: Great spot for a first date.  Has an in-house DJ playing lounge music. Price range is $30 and under.  Brunch is offered Saturday & Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Smith — Located in the East Village (also has locations near Lincoln Center and in Midtown)
Ambience: For the low key, casual bruncher.  A laid-back American food spot in the East Village that is very homey yet upbeat. Known for large groups looking to enjoy a good meal in a family- oriented environment. 
Menu: Food is yummy, yummy, yummy!  Highly recommend the vanilla bean french toast, mushroom omelette, and Bloody Marys.  
Other tips: $30 and under.  Brunch offered on Sunday only.

Former favorites: Sunburnt Cow and Bondi Road for bottomless brunch; both were Aussie-infused, one-of-a-kind places that prided themselves on their wonderful, $18 all-you-can-drink-plus-an-entree menu.  The DJ played incredible music that kept the party going.  However, I have heard they unfortunately closed and were sold to new owners Burke & Wills, and that it is now a little more upscale, but still Aussie-infused, and worth trying.

I hope that if you live in, or visit New York City, you make time to check out one of these delectable brunch places that will no doubt upgrade your weekend experience from run-of the-mill to wonderful.

Feature Photo by: Michele Ursino